Alabama lawmakers on Wednesday (May 7) gave final passage to a bill restricting student cell phone use in public schools, making the state one of a dozen with similar statewide restrictions.
House Bill 166, sponsored by Rep. Leigh Hulsey, R-Helena, requires all school districts to adopt a policy by July 1 banning student cell phone use during the instructional day — from the start of instruction until the end of the school day.
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The Freeing Our Children from Unnecessary Screens for Safety, or FOCUS Act, mandates that students store phones in lockers, cars, or other designated areas during the school day.
Exceptions include use by:
- Students with a Section 504 Plan, IEP, IAP, or health plan
- Students using phones for educational purposes under supervision
- Anyone in a life-threatening situation
While the bill doesn’t mandate specific penalties, it requires local school boards to establish disciplinary policies.
To the governor’s desk
The bill was a priority for Gov. Kay Ivey, who is expected to sign it into law.
It also directs the Alabama Department of Education to create an online course by July 1 on the risks of social media and how to use it safely. Schools must offer the course to students at least once before eighth grade. Students who transfer in during or after eighth grade must also be offered the course.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Trisha Powell Crain and originally published by Alabama Daily News.
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